Current:Home > MarketsR. Kelly's Daughter Joann Kelly to Share a "Heartbreaking Secret" in Upcoming Documentary -WealthSphere Pro
R. Kelly's Daughter Joann Kelly to Share a "Heartbreaking Secret" in Upcoming Documentary
View
Date:2025-04-12 20:11:02
R. Kelly's estranged daughter has been carrying a heartbreaking childhood secret.
In a new documentary, Joann Kelly, who also goes by the name Buku Abi, shares details about her experience growing up with the R&B singer, who is serving a more than 30-year prison sentence for sex crimes against underage girls.
"He was my everything for a long time," Joann, who was not named as one of the victims during Kelly's 2021 trial, says in the TVEI Network's R. Kelly's Karma: A Daughter's Journey, as seen in a trailer released Sept. 29. "I didn't even want to believe it happened."
The 26-year-old continued, "I didn't know that even if he was a bad person, that he would do something to me. I really feel like that one millisecond completely just changed my whole life."
According to TVEI, in the documentary, Kelly's daughter "bravely reveals a heartbreaking secret that shattered her childhood."
Joann, who appeared to be pregnant while filming the documentary, vowed to be open about her experiences with her son and keep him away from the "I Believe I Can Fly" singer.
"If my son asks questions I'm going to be as truthful as possible," she said, "but I would not be taking my son to a prison to meet his grandfather."
Kelly will be 78 when he eligible for release from prison in 2045. In April, a federal appeals court upheld his convictions on child pornography and enticement charges, more than 18 months after the conclusion of his trial in Chicago, WTTW reported.
Joann's mother, Kelly’s ex-wife Drea Kelly, also appears in the documentary. "Just because you’re not a good husband, doesn't mean you can’t be a good father. And the fact that he didn’t even try," the 50-year-old said in the trailer. "What he did to me, he did to me. But you didn’t have to do it to my damn kids."
In 2019, Joann spoke out about her father after the release of the docuseries Surviving R. Kelly, which chronicled allegations of abuse and pedophilia that others made about the singer.
The project preceded an investigation against Kelly that helped lead to his 2022 conviction of racketeering and sex trafficking, and a year later, convictions for felony sexual exploitation of a child, enticement of a female, and possession of material containing child pornography.
"The same monster you all confronting me about is my father," Joann wrote on her Instagram Story at the time. "I am well aware of who and what he is. I grew up in that house. My choice to not speak on him and what he does is for my peace of mind. My emotional state. And for MY healing. I have to do & move in a manner that is best for me."
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News AppveryGood! (9113)
Related
- Travis Hunter, the 2
- A look at what passed and failed in the 2024 legislative session
- One man was a Capitol Police officer. The other rioted on Jan. 6. They’re both running for Congress
- DJT stock rebounds since hush money trial low. What to know about Truth Social trading
- Jamie Foxx reps say actor was hit in face by a glass at birthday dinner, needed stitches
- Toronto Maple Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe fired after another early playoff exit
- Olympic flame reaches France for 2024 Paris Olympics aboard a 19th century sailing ship
- Telescope images reveal 'cloudy, ominous structure' known as 'God's Hand' in Milky Way
- Jorge Ramos reveals his final day with 'Noticiero Univision': 'It's been quite a ride'
- Hundreds of Columbia Jewish students sign pro-Israel letter. Not all Jewish students agree.
Ranking
- Kylie Jenner Shows Off Sweet Notes From Nieces Dream Kardashian & Chicago West
- Pro-Palestinian protesters demand endowment transparency. But its proving not to be simple
- Maryland governor signs online data privacy bills
- All the Ways Hailey Bieber and Justin Bieber Hinted at Her Pregnancy
- Residents worried after ceiling cracks appear following reroofing works at Jalan Tenaga HDB blocks
- Pacers coach Rick Carlisle ejected after Knicks' controversial overturned double dribble
- California’s budget deficit has likely grown. Gov. Gavin Newsom will reveal his plan to address it
- Limit these ultra-processed foods for longer-term health, 30-year study suggests
Recommendation
Selena Gomez engaged to Benny Blanco after 1 year together: 'Forever begins now'
Looking for Unbeatable Home Deals? Run To Pottery Barn’s Sale, Where You’ll Score up to 60% Off
Former NBA player Glen ‘Big Baby’ Davis sentenced to 40 months for defrauding league insurance plan
Closure of California federal prison was poorly planned, judge says in ordering further monitoring
FACT FOCUS: Inspector general’s Jan. 6 report misrepresented as proof of FBI setup
California’s budget deficit has likely grown. Gov. Gavin Newsom will reveal his plan to address it
Olympic flame reaches France for 2024 Paris Olympics aboard a 19th century sailing ship
Airman shot by deputy doted on little sister and aimed to buy mom a house, family says